How Longmont Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide
Longmont maintains 129 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Longmont falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Pool Permits
Building a pool in Longmont requires a permit under the city's adopted International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and Longmont Municipal Code § 16.28.040 rewrites the submittal requirement: construction documents must accompany every permit application and be prepared by a state-licensed design professional unless exempt.
Key details: Permit trigger: Any pool built under adopted Pool/Spa Code. Documents: Prepared by Colorado-licensed design professional. Refund: 80% of unused permit or plan-review fee. Refund deadline: 180 days after fee payment. Max penalty: $500.00 fine, 90 days jail per day.
Constructing or maintaining a pool without an approved permit is unlawful under Section 113.1 (§ 16.28.090), and each day the violation continues is a separate offense punishable under Chapter 1.12: up to a $500.00 fine and 90 days in jail. The city can also enjoin the violation as a public nuisance through the courts.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Longmont's property maintenance code treats spas, hot tubs, ornamental ponds and other water features the same as swimming pools, so a neglected hot tub draws the same maintenance-code enforcement as a neglected pool.
Key details: Covers: spas, hot tubs, ponds, water features. Amended provision: IPMC § 303.1 (swimming pools). Enforcement: code official correction order. Max penalty: $500 fine, 90 days jail.
Violating the maintenance code is a separate offense each day it continues, punishable under Longmont Municipal Code chapter 1.12: up to a $500 fine and 90 days in jail.
The Bottom Line
Longmont's swimming pools & spas rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Longmont is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Longmont's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.